Finally, the remains of the Late Capt Winfred Ondo Itima, who passed away on the 10th of October 2023 at the age of 68 years, was committed to Mother Earth and to eternal rest in the early evening hours on Friday, April 5, 2024, at his hometown, Pepe-ama community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, after an outdoor funeral service.

A once merry atmosphere that had dotted the venue of the funeral soon turned moody when the casket housing the remains of the late Capt. Itima was carried by the pall bearers into the open where families and other sympathisers have been putting up dances to spice up the social gathering.

Tears flowed amidst wailings in that moment when the casket was opened for those in attendance who needed to pay their last respect to a man who touched so many lives by his good deeds. It was such a sad sight which only reminded all of the evil that the greatest enemy of man (death) is inflicting on the human race.

Shortly afterwards, following the instruction from Apst. Newman Bebenimibo of the Word of Salvation Bible Life Ministry Int'l—the minister who officiated the funeral service—the casket was carried to the grave site, and after a brief ceremony, the remains of the Late Capt. was lowered into the final resting place awaiting the trumpet call in the unknown Day of Resurrection.

Earlier in the day, the remains of the Late Capt. Itima was conveyed from the Safe Haven Mortuary in Warri by family members and sympathisers to the Miller Waterfront, and there onwards by boat to Pepe-ama community.

On arrival, as the Gbaramatu Ijaw tradition demands, the circumstances surrounding the death of the Late Capt. Itima was narrated by an extended family member, Mr. Edwin Aruwei, to the audience, before the examination of the remains of the Late Capt. by elders of the community.

The funeral service which held in the venue and conducted by members of the Word of Salvation Bible Life Ministry featured praises, Bible readings, biography presentation, a sermon, and finally prayers for the family members of the deceased Capt. Itima.

The ceremony was well attended by dignitaries from across the Christian community such as the umbrella body of Gbaramatu Interdenominational Christian Forum, GICF; various social groups such as the Gbaramatu Ibe Gbolei, the Ija Women Connect, IWC; the Association of Gbaramatu Female Graduates, AGFG; Gbaramatu Lawyers Association. Also, staff of Global West Vessel in Lagos—the company where the Late Capt. Itima worked as its Managing Director—were also in attendance.

Other personalities that graced the funeral to pay their last respect include, but not limited to, Chief Emmanuel Ekpetipu, Chief Bosin Ebikeme, Chief Julius Tonfawei, Chief Matthew Pudie, Chief Jeffrey Ojogun, Chief James Tangbowei, Chief Joseph Wuruyai, Chief Piniki Azayei, Chief Paris Imoun, Chief Paul Ukuli, Chief Dogood Okirika, Chief Marian Anomuogharan.

Others are Elder Amos Okoro, Elder Raphael Selegha, Bishop Felix Piniki, Pst. Friday Mala, Pst. Dickson Akoto, Capt. Dickson Timiyan, Capt. Letthemsay Braboke, Mr. Joel Tonjoh, Mr. Christopher Ejoh, Dcns. Ati Odafe, Mrs. Sagana Bubor, Mrs. Gladys Omare, Madam Lilian Timinimi, Comr. Paul Akenfa (Pepe-ama Youth President), Comr. Doutimi Biriyai (Pepe-ama Financial Secretary) among many others in attendance. Ijaw highlife musician Chief Kingsley Takemebo and his Izon music band were also live on ground to entertain guests.

The late Capt. Itima is survived by Mrs. Coast Itima (wife), Barr. Iyoroebi Kenge Itima (daughter), Engr. Birifiniyerin Itima (son), Master Karinade Clinton Itima (son), Nurse Iyenkenimi Itima (daughter), Master Emmanuel Itima (son), and Miss Eniye Itima (daughter).

Until his death, he was the Managing Director of Global West Vessel Specialist with head office in Lagos State. He is also the founder of Wintima Company Nigeria Limited and the Wintima Foundation among other establishment. May his gentle golden soul rest peacefully, Amen.

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